NZ LEADERS: WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

2020 – what a year so far. We all look forward to it being ‘over and out’ as we start the last quarter of the year.

The leaders I talk to are telling me they are tired - as many have worked right through. But I’ve noticed there is an air of optimism around the country. Building companies are still busy and suppliers are telling me they have had some of their biggest ever months this year. Real estate seems to be rocking along and next week, Auckland will join the rest of NZ in Level 1 – fingers crossed!

I want to say to thanks to the leaders in our organisations for getting on with it; for continuing to make decisions despite the uncertainty.

People follow leaders who give it a go and crack on!

The three most important things for leaders as we head into the last quarter of 2020:

• Continue to make confident and prudent decisions - show your staff that in times of uncertainty you will continue to take action.

• Back yourself once a decision is made. We admire leaders who set a course, then pin their ears back and go for it.

• Support your people to achieve the decisions you have made. Listen, pay attention and, more so than ever, check in with them. Empathy is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but ‘a must’. As a good friend of mine, Andrew Deering, says (and our Prime Minister may have said a few times) “be kind.” Your people will respect and appreciate this. It’s simple really.

Thanks NZ leaders for the care you show and the positive actions you take.